A panel discussion with Colorado leaders not only provided insight on challenges and solutions but sparked a lively conversation with the audience about how and who in Colorado will lead our state in moving the adult learning agenda forward. Panelist included:

Pam Tate, President and CEO, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) gave insight to the importance of and what’s ahead for adult learning from a national perspective, including a focus on the college completion agenda, prior learning assessment, competency based education.

Thank you to all who participated! Check in for 2015 plans.

Highlights from the 2013 Colorado Adult Learning Symposium;

On July 29th My Degree Matters Colorado (MDMCO), the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Regis University, and CAEL held the first Colorado Adult Learning Symposium: Moving the Tassel.

186 participants from higher education, industry, community organizations, and the public sector gathered to discuss policy and practice for improved adult learning access and opportunity. Conversations centered on reverse transfer, competency-based education, veteran support, and assessment of prior learning.

Lt. Governor Joe Garcia was the morning's keynote speaker, and reminded attendees that, "Adult learners are an increasing proportion of our population.... We need to have a world-class workforce to fill the jobs of tomorrow; [in Colorado] we'll have fewer jobs than any other state that require just a high school education."

An opening panel, moderated by Dr. Geri Anderson, Vice President of the Colorado Community College System, set the stage for the day. Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, CSU Global; Dr. Chari Leader Kelley, CAEL; Alison Griffin, Miles Above Strategies; and Dr. Vicki Golich, Metropolitan State University of Denver gave an overview of adult learning in Colorado and across the country.

A Town Hall, moderated by Dr. Roxanne Gonzales of Regis University, closed the session. Participants discussed maintaining momentum, potential next steps, and ideas for future events.

"By 2020 there will be 123 million high-skill, high-pay jobs available in the U.S., but only 50 million Americans with the right skills and education to fill them"